Fortified beverages with improved texture and flavor impact at lower dosage of solids

ABSTRACT

A flavored instant or ready-to-drink beverage product that can deliver a rich, preferably frothy, foamy beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without sliminess, as well as a higher flavor impact at a lower dosage of solids is disclosed. These products comprise a water-insoluble component that includes microparticulate component, a fat/oil component, an emulsifier, a vitamin and mineral mix, and optionally, microcrystalline cellulose; a water-soluble component that includes a soluble beverage component, a thickener, and optionally, a buffer; a foam stabilizer; and optionally, acid carbonate/bicarbonate; a sweetener; milk solids; processing aids; and flavorants; and, optionally, and preferably in ready-to-drink formulations, up to 95% water. The ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 or less (i.e., the ratio of water-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater) and/or the level of water-insoluble components per unit volume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc. These products preferably include the combination of sugar and a high intensity sweetener to help reduce the level of solids in the beverage. This product also preferably contains a foaming creamer, a foam generating system, and a protein foam stabilizer to provide a foamy, frothy beverage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/603,330, filed Jun. 26, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No.6,290,997 which is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/239,612, filed Jan. 29, 1999 and which issued Jan. 30, 2001as U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,159; which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/016,255, filed Jan. 30, 1998 now ABN.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to flavored instant and ready-to-drinkbeverages (coffees, hot chocolate, teas, creamy juice drinks, milkshakes, nutritional drinks, and the like) having an improved, cleanermouthfeel, delivering creaminess, richness and/or thickness at a lowerdosage of solids, but without mouthfeel negatives, such as “sliminess”or “stringiness”. Additionally, the present application relates toinstant coffee products that deliver these mouthfeel and thicknessbenefits, as well as higher flavor impact and a frothy, foamy beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current dry mixes used to prepare many instant or ready-to-drinkbeverages, especially instant flavored coffee beverages, typicallycomprise a mixture of non-dairy creamers, sweeteners, soluble beveragecomponents (e.g. instant coffee products use soluble coffee) andflavors. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,962 (Stipp).Ready-to-drink beverages, in the form sold to consumers, usually havefrom 10-20% solids. Consumers usually prepare flavored instant beveragesusing, on average, 7.5% solids, and generally in the range of 5%-10%solids. Unfortunately, at a 5-10% dosage of solids, instant beveragesprepared from current dry mixes are perceived as thin and watery and donot develop any foamy/frothy head. They also lack the creamy mouthfeel,richness, flavor impact and sweetness that is desired by consumers ofsuch products. These important attributes are delivered inready-to-drink creamy beverages via a high level of solids (>12%) alone,or in combination with hydrocolloids, pectins, and starches.

Creamy beverages, generally, and creamy coffee beverages, in particular,typically rely on finely dispersed fat (i.e., homogenized fat) todeliver mouthfeel. This emulsified fat can be delivered by liquid orspray dried non-dairy creamers, whole milk, or low fat milk. However,the fat found at normal levels in current flavored coffee beveragesprovides insufficient mouthfeel benefits. These mouthfeel benefits canbe improved by increasing the level of fat. However, increasing thelevel of fat creates other issues such as stability of the fat againstoxidative reactions, the development of off-flavors, and the potentialinstability of the emulsion of the non-dairy creamer. Further, sincenon-dairy creamers typically contain only 35 to 50% fat, deliveringincreased mouthfeel can require significantly higher volumes or dosagesof powdered products. This makes these powdered products less useful,for the consumer, as spoonable executions.

An alternative approach to deliver mouthfeel is to use ingredients thatincrease the thickness (viscosity) of the beverage. However, increasingthe viscosity of the beverage does not necessarily translate into anincrease in desirable mouthfeel attributes. Mouthfeel is more of asensory perception influenced by forces distinct from those thatcontribute to viscosity which give the perception of thickness.Hydrocolloid gums and water-soluble starches are typically used toincrease beverage thickness (i.e., viscosity). However, hydrocolloidgums can only develop limited mouthfeel and impart negative texturaleffects such as “sliminess” and “stringiness.” In addition, beverageproducts, especially hot beverages, which incorporate highconcentrations of hydrocolloid gums are subject to gel upon cooling.

Water-soluble starches can also be used to increase viscosity andprovide limited mouthfeel. However, the quantity of water-soluble starchneeded to deliver these attributes is usually so high that more solidsare added and the desired target dosage of solids of about 5-10%(generally about 7.5% solids for instant coffee products) cannot beachieved. Mouthfeel, richness, creaminess, sweetness and flavor impactcan be increased by delivering a higher dosage of solids, i.e., greaterthan about 10% solids. However, such a high level of delivered solidsrequires larger volume of product to be used. This usually translates toan increase in the number of spoonfuls of product required to preparethe beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to instant and ready-to-drink flavoredbeverage products, (coffee, hot chocolate, teas, creamy juice drinks,milk shakes, nutritional drinks, and the like, especially instant coffeeproducts), that have improved mouthfeel (“creaminess”, “richness”,“body”, “complexity”, “body-richness”, “substantial”) and thickness,without “sliminess” or “stringiness”. These beverage products comprise:a water-insoluble component, a water-soluble component, and optionally,water and/or a flavorant. Said water-insoluble component has particleswith a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0microns and includes: (1) from about 0.2 to about 40% of amicroparticulate component; (2) from about 0.0 to about 40% of a fat/oilcomponent; (3) from about 0.0 to about 3.0% of an emulsifier; (4) fromabout 0 to about 5% of a microcrystalline cellulose. Said water-solublecomponent includes: (1) from about 0.075 to about 40% soluble beveragecomponent; (2) from about 0.05 to about 30% of a thickener; (3) fromabout 0 to about 4% buffers; (4) from about 0 to about 60% foamstabilizer; (5) from about 0 to about 5% acid; (6) from about 0 to about5% carbonate/bicarbonate; (7) from about 0 to about 10% sweetener; (8)from about 0 to about 20% milk solids; (9) from about 0 to about 3%processing aids; and (10) from about 0.01% to about 5% of vitaminsand/or minerals. The flavored beverage products also comprise from about0 to about 10% of a flavorant. Said flavorant may be included in thewater-insoluble component, the water-soluble component, or both. Saidflavored beverage also comprises from about 0 to about 95%, preferablyfrom about 80 to about 95%, water. The ratio of the water-soluble towater-insoluble (S/I) components is about 3.3 or less (i.e., the ratioof water-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater)or the water-insoluble component per unit volume of the product is atleast about 0.019 g/cc.

The beverage products of the present invention, (especially preferredare instant coffee products), can deliver a creamy, rich, preferablyfoamy, beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without“sliminess” or “stringiness”, as well as a higher flavor impact, at alower dosage of solids (5-10%, preferably 6.5-8.5%, and more preferably7.5%). This is achieved by formulating said beverage products so that(1) the level of finely dispersed water-insoluble components in theproduct is such that the ratio of water-soluble to water-insolublecomponents (S/I) is about 3.3 or less (i.e., the ratio ofwater-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater);or (2) the level of water-insoluble components per unit volume (I/V), isat least about 0.019 grams per cubic centimeter; or (3) both.

It is also preferable to include a combination of ingredients formouthfeel and thickeners (e.g., starches and gums) to provide improvedtexture in the beverage prepared from the product. It is also preferablefor these beverage products to include a sugar such as sucrose (or otheracceptable sugars such as sorbitol, fructose, mannose), and a highintensity sweetener, preferably a combination of aspartame andacesulfame K, to help maintain a low level of solids in the drinkablebeverage, yet deliver higher flavor impact and richness. These productsmay also optionally, but preferably for instant coffee beverages,contain a foaming creamer, a foam generating system, and a protein foamstabilizer to provide a foamy, frothy beverage. These products alsooptionally, but preferably, contain an effective amount of a flavorant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Definitions

As used herein, the terms “ready-to-serve beverage” and “ready-to-drinkbeverage” are used interchangeably to refer to beverage products thatare in a ready-to-use, consumable form. These products are prepared by amanufacturer and sold to the consumer in consumable form. They can bemade at the manufacturer level from dry mixes, powders, liquids,extracts, concentrates, and emulsions, using a wide variety offormulations.

As used herein, the terms “instant beverage” and “soluble beverage” areused interchangeably to refer to beverage products such as instant orsoluble coffee products that are relatively soluble in water, especiallyhot water, and are typically mixed with an aqueous liquid or diluent,i.e., water, milk or other aqueous medium, to provide a ready-to-serveor ready-to-drink beverage. These products are sold to the consumer bythe manufacturer in a dry mix, powder, concentrate, or emulsion form andare prepared by the consumer, according to directions, at or near thetime of serving and/or consumption.

“Bulk density” refers to the overall density of a plurality of particlesmeasured in the manner described on pp. 127-131 of COFFEE PROCESSINGTECHNOLOGY, Avi Publishing Company, Westport, Conn., 1963, Vol. II.

The terms “moisture” and “water” are used interchangeably herein.

All particle sizes referred to herein are based on the U.S. StandardSieve Screen Series. See page 701 of Sivetz & Desrosier, COFFEETECHNOLOGY (Avi Publishing Co. 1979).

As used herein, the term “foam” refers to a light frothy mass formed inor on the surface of the coffee beverage (generally coffee or hotchocolate). “Foam” is generally achieved utilizing a fine dispersion ofgas in a liquid to form said mass on the beverage surface.

As used herein, the term “solids” are used to refer to allwater-insoluble components and water-soluble components.

As used herein, the term “water-insoluble components” refers to thosematerials that are not soluble or miscible in water but are typicallydispersed in the aqueous phase and are visible when viewed through amicroscope. The water-insoluble components typically include fat/oilcomponents, microparticulate components, and emulsifiers, and mayoptionally include flavorants and microcrystalline cellulose. One ofordinary skill in the art will readily understand that thewater-insoluble components may be derived from multiple sourceingredients (e.g., the fat/oil component may come from a creamer andwhole milk, 2% fat milk), and one source ingredient may contribute tomultiple water-insoluble components (e.g., a creamer may contribute tothe fat/oil component and to the emulsifier).

As used herein, the term “water-soluble component” refers to thosematerials that are soluble or completely miscible in water and are notvisible when viewed through a microscope. The water-soluble componentstypically include the sweeteners, buffers derived from salts (i.e.,sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate), and acids (i.e., citricacid), thickeners, such as hydrolyzed starches (e.g., maltodextrins);pre-gelatinized starches; chemically modified food starches;hydrocolloid gums (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose), and processing aids(e.g. flow aids such as silicon dioxide); as well as instant/solublebeverage components and flavorants. One of ordinary skill in the artwill readily understand that the water-soluble components may be derivedfrom multiple source ingredients (e.g., a foam stabilizer may come froma creamer and a foaming agent), and one source ingredient may contributeto multiple water-soluble components (e.g., skim milk may contribute tothe sweetener (lactose) and milk solids component).

As used herein, the term “microparticulate component” and the term“microparticles” are used interchangeably and refer to particles havingmean particle size diameter between 0.1 and 3.0 microns, preferably fromabout 0.4 to about 2.0 microns, and preferably with less than about 2%of the particles exceeding 3.0 microns. The microparticles can beobtained from protein, carbohydrate, starches, pectins and gums(hydrocolloids), or any mixture thereof, by using microparticulationprocesses known to those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the term “hydrocolloids” refers to the whole range ofpolymeric materials occurring naturally (gums, starches, proteins,etc.). The term “hydrocolloid gums” or simply “gums” refers to plant ormicrobial polysaccharides or their derivatives that are dispersible ineither cold or hot water to produce viscous mixtures or solutions.

The term “creamer” as used herein refers to an additive used in manyready-to-drink and instant beverage products. Commercial creamers arereadily available, and are readily chosen by those of ordinary skill inthe art. Prepared creamers generally comprise fat, emulsifiers, andprocessing aids; accordingly, the beverage compositions of the presentinventions utilize creamers and, depending on the composition of theparticular creamer chosen, the all or part of the fat, emulsifier orprocessing aids used in the composition are, in fact, contributed by thecreamer.

Suitable creamers for use in the flavored beverage products of thepresent invention include dairy and non-dairy creamers. Suitable dairycreamers include whole milk solids; butterfat solids; low-fat dry milk;and dry mixes used to prepare ice cream, milkshakes, and frozendesserts, as well as mixtures of these dairy creamers. Suitablenon-dairy creamers can be made from a variety of fats and oils includingsoybean and partially-hydrogenated soybean oil, partially-hydrogenatedcanola oil, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated coconut oil, as wellas other partially- or fully-hydrogenated vegetable oils, orcombinations of such oils. Preferred creamers include non-dairy creamersmade from vegetable oils, emulsifiers, co-emulsifiers, carbohydrates,sodium caseinate, and buffers. Additional creamers suitable for use inthe present invention include those synthetic and imitation dairyproducts disclosed in KIRK-OTHMER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY,W. J. Harper, Willey Interscience, 3^(rd) edition, Vol. 22, sectionentitled “Synthetic and Imitation Dairy Products,” pp. 465-498, (1978),which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Both foaming and non-foaming creamers can be used in the flavoredbeverage products of the present invention. Foaming creamers suitablefor use in the present invention can comprise a non-dairy fat (e.g.,partially hydrogenated oil), a water-soluble non-dairy carbohydrate(e.g., sucrose, dextrose, maltose, corn syrup solids and mixturesthereof), a buffer, a proteinaceous foam stabilizing agent (e.g., sodiumcaseinate) and optionally a gum thickener. These solid components aremixed with water and then homogenized. A gas (e.g., nitrogen) isinjected or blended into this mixture and the mixture spray-dried toprovide the foaming creamer. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,147 (Hedrick, Jr.),issued Mar. 20, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,759 (Westerbeek et al),issued Oct. 31, 1995, both hereby incorporated by reference herein.Non-foaming creamers suitable for use in the present invention have aningredient composition similar to that of the foaming creamers butwithout the incorporated gas. Also, foaming creamers typically have moreproteinaceous components (typically about 12-13% of total ingredients)relative to non-foaming non-dairy creamers (typically about 3.5% oftotal ingredients).

The term “soluble beverage component” as used herein means thosewater-soluble components which are used to flavor and/or texturize thebeverage products of the present invention and could consist of coffee,tea, juice and/or milk, and can be readily chosen by one of ordinaryskill in the art. The soluble beverage component can be in various formsincluding, but not limited to powders, emulsions, concentrates, orextracts, or any mixture thereof.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means various components andprocessing steps can be conjointly employed in the beverage products andprocess for preparing these products according to the present invention.Accordingly, the term “comprising” encompasses the more restrictiveterms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

All amounts, parts, ratios and percentages used herein are by weightunless otherwise specified.

B. Sources of Ingredients Used in Flavored Beverage Products

1. Water-insoluble components

Fat/Oil. The terms “fat” and “oil” are used interchangeably hereinunless otherwise specified. The terms “fat” or “oil” refer to ediblefatty substances in a general sense, including natural or synthetic fatsand oils consisting essentially of triglycerides, such as, for examplesoybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, coconutoil, canola oil, fish oil, lard and tallow, which may have beenpartially- or fully-hydrogenated or modified otherwise, as well asnon-toxic fatty materials having properties similar to triglycerides,herein referred to as non-digestible fat, which materials may bepartially or fully indigestible. Reduced calorie fats and ediblenon-digestible fats, oils or fat substitutes are also included in theterm.

The term “non-digestible fat” refers to those edible fatty materialsthat are partially or totally indigestible, e.g., polyol fatty acidpolyesters, such as OLEAN™.

The terms “fat” or “oil” also refer 100% non-toxic fatty materialshaving properties similar to triglycerides. The terms “fat” or “oil” ingeneral include fat-substitutes, which materials may be partially orfully non-digestible.

By “polyol” is meant a polyhydric alcohol containing at least 4,preferably from 4 to 11 hydroxyl groups. Polyols include sugars (i.e.,monosaccharides, disaccharides, and trisaccharides), sugar alcohols,other sugar derivatives (i.e., alkyl glucosides), polyglycerols such asdiglycerol and triglycerol, pentearythritol, sugar ethers such assorbitan and polyvinyl alcohols. Specific examples of suitable sugars,sugar alcohols and sugar derivatives include xylose, arabinose, ribose,xylitol, erythritol, glucose, methyl glucoside, mannose, galactose,fructose, sorbitol, maltose, lactose, sucrose, raffinose, andmaltotriose.

By “polyol fatty acid polyester” is meant a polyol having at least 4fatty acid ester groups. Polyol fatty acid esters that contain 3 or lessfatty acid ester groups are generally digested in, and the products ofdigestion are absorbed from, the intestinal tract much in the manner ofordinary triglyceride fats or oils, whereas those polyol fatty acidesters containing 4 or more fatty acid ester groups are substantiallynon-digestible and consequently non-absorbable by the human body. It isnot necessary that all of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol beesterified, but it is preferable that disaccharide molecules contain nomore than 3 unesterified hydroxyl groups for the purpose of beingnon-digestible. Typically, substantially all, e.g., at least about 85%,of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol are esterified. In the case ofsucrose polyesters, typically from about 7 to 8 of the hydroxyl groupsof the polyol are esterified.

The polyol fatty acid esters typically contain fatty acid radicalstypically having at least 4 carbon atoms and up to 26 carbon atoms.These fatty acid radicals can be derived from naturally occurring orsynthetic fatty acids. The fatty acid radicals can be saturated orunsaturated, including positional or geometric isomers, e.g., cis- ortrans-isomers, and can be the same for all ester groups, or can bemixtures of different fatty acids.

Liquid non-digestible oils can also be used in the practice of thepresent invention. Liquid non-digestible oils have a complete meltingpoint below about 37° C. include liquid polyol fatty acid polyesters(see Jandacek; U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,195; issued Jan. 25, 1977); liquidesters of tricarballylic acids (see Hamm; U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,746;issued Apr. 2, 1985); liquid diesters of dicarboxylic acids such asderivatives of malonic and succinic acid (see Fulcher; U.S. Pat. No.4,582,927; issued Apr. 15, 1986); liquid triglycerides of alpha-branchedchain carboxylic acids (see Whyte; U.S. Pat. No. 3,579,548; issued May18, 1971); liquid ethers and ether esters containing the neopentylmoiety (see Minich; U.S. Pat. No. 2,962,419; issued Nov. 29, 1960);liquid fatty polyethers of polyglycerol (See Hunter et al; U.S. Pat. No.3,932,532; issued Jan. 13, 1976); liquid alkyl glycoside fatty acidpolyesters (see Meyer et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,815; issued Jun. 20,1989); liquid polyesters of two ether linked hydroxypolycarboxylic acids(e.g., citric or isocitric acid) (see Huhn et al; U.S. Pat. No.4,888,195; issued Dec. 19, 1988); various liquid esterfied alkoxylatedpolyols including liquid esters of epoxide-extended polyols such asliquid esterified propoxylated glycerins (see White et al; U.S. Pat. No.4,861,613; issued Aug. 29, 1989; Cooper et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,729;issued Mar. 21, 1995; Mazurek; U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,217; issued Dec. 31,1996; and Mazurek; U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,605; issued Jan. 28, 1997);liquid esterified ethoxylated sugar and sugar alcohol esters (see Enniset al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,073); liquid esterified ethoxylated alkylglycosides (see Ennis et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,443, issued Oct. 22,1991); liquid esterified alkoxylated polysaccharides (see Cooper; U.S.Pat. No. 5,273,772; issued Dec. 28, 1993); liquid linked esterifiedalkoxylated polyols (see Ferenz; U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,815; issued Jun.27, 1995 and Ferenz et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,446; issued Dec. 20,1994); liquid esterfied polyoxyalkylene block copolymers (see Cooper;U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,634; issued May 3, 1994); liquid esterifiedpolyethers containing ring-opened oxolane units (see Cooper; U.S. Pat.No. 5,389,392; issued Feb. 14, 1995); liquid alkoxylated polyglycerolpolyesters (see Harris; U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,371; issued Mar. 21, 1995);liquid partially esterified polysaccharides (see White; U.S. Pat. No.4,959,466; issued Sep. 25, 1990); as well as liquid polydimethylsiloxanes (e.g., Fluid Silicones available from Dow Corning). All of theforegoing patents relating to the liquid nondigestible oil component areincorporated herein by reference. Solid non-digestible fats or othersolid materials can be added to the liquid non-digestible oils toprevent passive oil loss. Particularly preferred non-digestible fatcompositions include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,995 issuedto Corrigan, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,667 issued to Corrigan et al,1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,416 issued to Johnston et al, 1995, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,422,131 issued to Elsen et al, 1995. U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,925issued to Seiden et al, 1995 describes mixtures of reduced calorietriglycerides and polyol polyesters that can be used herein. However thelatter composition may provide more digestible fat.

The preferred non-digestible fats are fatty materials having propertiessimilar to triglycerides such as sucrose polyesters. OLEAN,™ a preferrednon-digestible fat, is made by The Procter and Gamble Company. Thesepreferred non-digestible fat or oil substitute compositions aredescribed in Young; et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,884, issued Feb. 4,1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,131, issued Jun. 6, 1995 to Elsen et al.

Other ingredients known in the art may also be added to the edible fatsand oils, including antioxidants such as TBHQ ascorbic acid, chelatingagents such as citric acid, and anti-foaming agents such asdimethylpolysiloxane.

The edible fats and oils with the proper particle size distribution(from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns) are frequently delivered via acreamer.

Emulsifiers. Emulsifiers help to disperse fat in the beverage productsof the present invention. Any food grade emulsifier suitable forinclusion in edible products can be used. Examples of suitableemulsifiers include mono- and di-glycerides of long chain fatty acids,preferably saturated fatty acids, and most preferably, stearic andpalmitic acid mono- and di-glycerides. Propylene glycol esters are alsouseful in these edible mixes. Lecithin is an especially preferredemulsifier for use in the edible mixes and ready-to-serve beverages ofthe present invention. The emulsifier can be any food compatibleemulsifier such as mono- and di-glycerides, lecithin, sucrosemonoesters, polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters, polyethoxylatedglycerols and mixtures thereof. Up to about 3% and preferably from 0.1%to 3% stabilizer or emulsifier is used. Suitable emulsifiers arelactylated mono- and di-glycerides, propylene glycol monoesters,polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters, diacetylated tartaric acid estersof mono- and di-glycerides, citric acid esters of monoglycerides,stearoyl-2-lactylates, polysorbates, succinylated monoglycerides,acetylated monoglycerides, ethoxylated monoglycerides, lecithin, sucrosemonoester, and mixtures thereof. Suitable emulsifiers include Dimodan®O, Dimodan® PV, and Panodan® FDP, manufactured by Danisco FoodIngredients. The emulsifiers may be utilized with a co-emulsifier.Depending on the particular formulation chosen, suitable co-emulsifiersmay be chosen from any food compatible co-emulsifier or emulsifier.Particularly preferred emulsifier/co-emulsifier systems include Dimodan®O, Dimodan® PV, and Panodan® FDP.

Microparticulate component. The microparticles which make up themicroparticulate component useful in the flavored beverage products ofthe present invention have a substantially spheroidal shape and displayfat-like mouthfeel characteristics when the particles have a meandiameter distribution in the range of from about 0.1 to about 3 microns,preferably with less than about 2% of the total number of particles over3 microns. The particles are non-aggregated and exhibit a substantiallysmooth organoleptic character of an oil-in-water emulsion.

These microparticles can be prepared from a carbohydrate that can attaina substantially spheroidal or substantially round shape in the 0.1 to 3micron diameter size range. These microparticles include, but are notlimited to LITA®, a mixture of Zein protein and gum arabic, or mixturesthereof. See also, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,946 (Singer et al),issued Mar. 27, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,020 (Singer et al), issuedOct. 6, 1992, both of which are incorporated by reference. Suitablecarbohydrates include starches, gums and/or cellulose, as well asmixtures thereof. The starches are typically modified by cross-linkingto prevent excessive swelling of the starch granules using methodswell-known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable carbohydratesinclude calcium alginate, cross-linked, dextran, gellan gum, curdlan,konjac mannan, chitin, schizophyllan and chitosan. Carbohydrates that donot have a natural round shape must be treated so that they attain asubstantially spheroidal shape. This can be accomplished by making asolution of the carbohydrate and converting the solution to a gelquickly and uniformly (generally in a field of high shear-force) so thata narrow distribution of a gelled microparticles are formed having theabove described diameters. Generally, a stream of carbohydrate solutionwill be introduced into a highly turbulent reaction zone where thegelled microparticles are formed. High speed mixing and shearingconditions can also be employed. Calcium alginate microparticles can beformed by making a solution of sodium alginate and introducing thissolution into a calcium ion containing solution through e.g. anultrasonic spray nozzle or any device producing droplets less than 3microns in diameter. Gellan can be microparticulated by spray cooling ahot gellan solution via any device capable of producing droplets lessthan 3 microns resulting in the formation of spheriodally-shapedmicroparticles. Konjac mannan can be microparticulated by introducing asolution into a turbulent, heated, alkaline reaction zone. Once thecarbohydrate microparticles are formed, they must be substantiallynon-aggregated and remain that way. Aggregate blocking agents, forexample, lecithin and xanthan gum, can be added to the microparticles tostabilize the particles. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,287 (Singer et al),issued Mar. 29, 1988, which is incorporated by reference.

These microparticles can also be prepared from any protein that canattain a substantially spheroidal or substantially round shape in the0.1 to 3 micron diameter size range. These microparticles include, butare not limited to, Simplessee 100® and DAIRY-LO®, both of which arewhey proteins, or mixtures thereof. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,287 (Singeret al), issued Mar. 29, 1988; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,953 (Singer etal), issued Jun. 16, 1989, both of which are incorporated by reference.Suitable protein sources for preparing such microparticles include eggand milk proteins, plant proteins (especially including oilseed proteinsobtained from cotton, palm, rape, safflower, cocoa, sunflower, sesame,soy, peanut, and the like), and microbial proteins such as yeastproteins and the so-called “single cell” proteins. Preferred proteinsinclude dairy whey protein (especially sweet dairy whey protein), andnon-dairy-whey proteins such as bovine serum albumin, egg white albumin,and vegetable whey proteins (i.e., non-dairy whey protein) such as soyprotein. microparticles are readily prepared from solutions of theseproteins through controlled application of heat and high shearconditions facilitative of controlled protein denaturation in a physicaland chemical context allowing for the formation of non-aggregatedproteinaceous microparticles of the desired size and shape. Theparticles formed during denaturation are generally spherical in shapeand have average diameters in excess of about 0.1 microns. The formationof particles in excess of about 2 microns in diameter and/or formationof aggregates of small particles with aggregate diameters in excess of 2microns is substantially avoided. Alternatively, the formation ofparticles or aggregates of particles having volumes in excess of 5.5cubic microns is avoided while forming substantial numbers of particleshaving volumes of 5×10⁻⁴ cubic microns or more. The protein denaturingtemperatures employed and the duration of heat treatment will varydepending upon the particular protein starting material. In a likemanner, the specific high shear conditions including the duration ofshear applied to protein solutions will also vary. During thedenaturation processing, undenatured proteins in solution interact toform insoluble coagulates, and the controlled application of heat andhigh shear forces operate to insure formation of non-aggregatedparticles within the desired size range. Depending upon the specificproperties of dissolved commercial protein materials and the propertiesof non-protein constituents in the solutions of these materials, theapplication of heat and high shear alone may not optimally allow for theavoidance of oversized particle aggregates. In such situation, one ormore materials such as lecithin, xanthan gum, maltodextrins, carageenan,datem esters, alginates, and the like, (referred to as “aggregateblocking agents”) can preferably be added to the protein solutions, mostpreferably prior to heat denaturation processing.

Microcrystalline cellulose. These carbohydrate- or protein-derivedmicroparticles can be partially substituted with a microcrystallinecellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose (sometimes referred to as“cellulose gel”) is a nonfibrous form of cellulose that is prepared bypartially depolymerizing cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plantmaterial with dilute mineral acid solutions. Following hydrolysis, thehydrocellulose is purified via filtration and the aqueous slurry isspray-dried to form dry, white, odorless, tasteless, porous particleshaving a broad size distribution. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,104, issuedFeb. 27, 1962, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,978,446 and 3,141,875 (all of which areincorporated by reference) which disclose methods of preparingmicrocystalline cellulose. Suitable commercially availablemicrocrystalline celluloses include EMCOCEL®. from Edward Mendell Co.,Inc. and Avicel®. from FMC Corp. In addition, microcrystalline cellulosecan be produced through a microbial fermentation process. Commerciallyavailable microcrystalline cellulose produced by a fermentation processincludes PrimaCEL™ from The Nutrasweet Kelco Company.

2. Water-soluble component

Soluble beverage component. The soluble beverage components are readilyavailable to, and can be easily chosen by, one having ordinary skill inthe art. Soluble beverage components can include coffee, tea, milk,and/or juice, any mixtures thereof. The soluble beverage components maybe in liquid, solid concentrates, powder, extract, or emulsion form.

The preferred soluble beverage component for use in the flavoredbeverage products of the present invention is determined by theparticular application of the product. For example, if the applicationis a coffee beverage, the soluble beverage component is, generally,coffee. For a tea or juice beverage product, the soluble beveragecomponent is generally, tea or juice, respectively.

For example, the soluble coffee used in the coffee products of thepresent invention can be prepared by any convenient process. A varietyof such processes are known to those skilled in the art. Typically,soluble coffee is prepared by roasting and grinding a blend of coffeebeans, extracting the roast and ground coffee with water to form anaqueous coffee extract, and drying the extract to form instant coffee.Soluble coffee useful in the present invention is typically obtained byconventional spray drying processes. Representative spray dryingprocesses that can provide suitable soluble coffee are disclosed in, forexample, pages 382-513 of Sivetz & Foote, COFFEE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY,Vol. I (Avi Publishing Co. 1963); U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,343 (Chase et al),issued Nov. 20, 1956; U.S. Pat. No. 2,750,998 (Moore), issued Jun. 19,1956; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,469,553 (Hall), issued May 10, 1949, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable processes forproviding instant coffee for use in the present invention are disclosedin, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,227 (Bergeron et al), issued Apr.1, 1969; U.S. Pat. No. 3,493,388 (Hair), issued Feb. 3, 1970; U.S. Pat.No. 3,615,669 (Hair et al), issued Oct. 26, 1971; U.S. Pat. No.3,620,756, (Strobel et al), issued Nov. 16, 1971; U.S. Pat. No.3,652,293 (Lombana et al), issued Mar. 28, 1972, all of which areincorporated herein by reference. In addition to spray dried instantcoffee powders, instant coffee useful in the present invention caninclude freeze-dried coffee. The instant coffee can be prepared from anysingle variety of coffees or a blend of different varieties. The instantcoffee can be decaffeinated or undecaffeinated and can be processed toreflect a unique flavor characteristic such as expresso, French roast,or the like.

Buffers. The flavored beverage products of the present invention utilizebuffers, preferably stabilizing salts to improve the colloidalsolubility of proteins and maintain the pH on the finished beverage of6.2 to 7.0 for optimum stability and flavor. The disodium or dipotassiumsalts of citric acid or phosphoric acid are most commonly used. The useof phosphate salts is particularly desirable when the water used for thepreparation of the beverage is high in calcium or magnesium.

Thickeners. Flavored beverage products according to the presentinvention can comprise thickening agents. These thickening agentsinclude natural and synthetic gums, and natural and chemically modifiedstarches. Suitable gums include locust bean gum, guar gum, gellan gum,xanthan gum, gum ghatti, modified gum ghatti, tragacanth gum,carrageenan, and/or anionic polymers derived from cellulose such ascarboxymethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, as well asmixtures of these gums. Suitable starches include, but are not limitedto, pregelatinized starch (corn, wheat, tapioca), pregelatinized highamylose content starch, pregelatinized hydrolyzed starches(maltodextrins, corn syrup solids), chemically modified starches such aspregelatinized substituted starches (e.g., octenyl succinate modifiedstarches such as N-Creamer, N-Lite LP, TEXTRA, manufactured by NationalStarch), as well as mixtures of these starches. It is particularlypreferred that thickening agents be predominantly made from starches andthat no more than 20%, most preferably no more than 10%, of thethickener be made from gums. These thickening agents can also beincorporated into these flavored beverage products as part of thecarrier for the emulsified fat on the spray dried non-foaming creamer.

Foam stabilizer. The flavored beverage products of the present inventioncan also include a proteinaceous foam stabilizer. Suitable proteinaceousfoam stabilizers include egg white albumin (ovalbumin), whey protein,soy protein, soy protein isolate, corn protein isolate, as well asmixtures of these stabilizers. Dried egg white albumin is particularlypreferred because of its ability to form better and more stable foams atrelatively low concentrations. The other proteinaceous foam stabilizers(e.g., whey protein) are typically effective only at much higherconcentrations than egg white albumin.

These proteinaceous foam stabilizers decrease the surface tension so asto form continuous films due to complex intermolecular interactions toprevent rupture of the foam bubbles. Basically, the foam stabilizer actsas a macromolecular surfactant that provides multiple “anchor” orcontact points at the air-water interface of the foam bubbles that aregenerated when the products of the present invention are mixed withwater to form the beverage. Proteins with rapid adsorption and unfoldingat the air-water interface produce better foams than proteins thatadsorb slowly and resist unfolding at the interface. Unfolding and theability to form thicker and more cohesive films depends on theelasticity of the protein which is further related to the flexibility ofthe protein in the adsorbed layer, i.e., proteins that exhibit highelasticity have very low flexibility. The greater stability of foamswhere egg white is used is due to the high concentration of rigidglobular proteins present that have higher flexibility (i.e., caused bydisulfide bonds in protein). Egg white typically has at least 40different globular glycoproteins with ovalbumin accounting for usuallyabout 54% of these glycoproteins.

Acid. Flavored beverage products, especially flavored instant coffeeproducts, according to the present invention also preferably comprise anedible water-soluble acid (organic or inorganic). Suitable acids includecitric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid,phosphoric acid, as well as mixtures of these acids.

Carbonate/Bicarbonate. Flavored beverage products according to thepresent invention may comprise an edible water-soluble carbonate orbicarbonate (or mixture thereof) salt that evolves carbon dioxide whenit reacts with the acid. Suitable carbonate or bicarbonate salts includesodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, as well as any mixture thereof. Sodium carbonate andbicarbonate are especially preferred when used in combination withcitric acid. The reaction between the sodium carbonate/bicarbonate withthe citric acid forms sodium citrate that stabilizes sodium caseinate(e.g., from the foaming and non-foaming creamer) in solution when theinstant beverage (e.g., coffee) product is reconstituted in harderwater.

Sweeteners. Flavored beverage products according to the presentinvention can further comprise sweeteners. Preferred sweeteners for usein the present invention are sugars and sugar alcohols such as sucrose,fructose, dextrose, maltose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup solids,invert sugar, sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, as well as mixtures ofthese sugars and sugar alcohols. In order to deliver lower levels ofsolids per dosage, it is particularly preferred to use a higherintensity sweetener with the sugar or sugar alcohol. These higherintensity sweeteners include saccharin, cyclamates, acesulfame K(Sunette™), L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine lower alkyl ester sweeteners(e.g., aspartame); L-aspartyl-D-alanine amides disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,411,925 to Brennan et al.; L-aspartyl-D-serine amides disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,399,163 to Brennan et al.;L-aspartyl-L-1-hydroxymethylalkaneamide sweeteners disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,338,346 to Brand; L-aspartyl-1-hydroxyethyalkaneamidesweeteners disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,029 to Rizzi; andL-aspartyl-D-phenylglycine ester and amide sweeteners disclosed inEuropean Pat. No. Application 168,112 to J. M. Janusz, published Jan.15, 1986.; and the like and mixtures thereof. A particularly preferredsweetener system is a combination of sucrose with aspartame andacesulfame K. This mixture not only enhances sweetness, but also lowersthe level of solids that is delivered in preparing the beverage.

Milk Solids. Milk solids can also be included in the flavored beverageproducts, according to the present invention. These milk solids can beprepared by drying milk to produce a mixture of the proteins, minerals,whey and other components of milk in a dry form. These solids caninclude butterfat solids and cream powder but are preferably low-fat drymilk and non-fat milk solids, i.e., the solids derived from milk thathas had the fat removed. Any commercial source of non-fat or other milksolids can be used. Dry mixes used to prepare ice cream, milk-shakes,and frozen desserts can also be included in these flavored beverageproducts. These dry mixes provide an especially creamy, rich mouthfeelto the coffee beverage prepared when the flavored instant coffeeproducts of the present invention are mixed with water.

Processing Aids. Optional ingredients in the beverage products of thepresent invention are processing aids, including flow aids, anti-cakingagents, dispersing aids, and the like. Particularly preferred are flowaids such as silicon dioxide and silica aluminates. Starches, aside fromthe thickening agents, can also be included to keep the variousingredients from caking.

Vitamins and Minerals.

Flavored beverage products according to the present invention canfurther comprise various vitamins and minerals. Preferred vitamins andminerals for use in the present invention include Vitamin A, Vitamin B1,Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12,Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.

All vitamins and minerals, whether soluble or insoluble in their nativestate, shall be calculated as belonging to the soluble beveragecomponent fraction of the present invention. In preferred embodiments ofthe present invention the soluble beverage component comprises fromabout 0.1% to about 5% of a vitamin and/or mineral mix.

3. Flavorants

Flavored beverage products of the present invention typically include aflavorant(s) other than those inherently present in the soluble beveragecomponent. The flavored component may be found in either thewater-soluble component or the water-insoluble component, or both.Preferably, such flavors are obtained from encapsulated or liquidflavors. These flavors can be natural or artificial in origin. Preferredflavors, or mixtures of flavor, include almond nut, amaretto, anisette,brandy, cappuccino, mint, cinnamon, cinnamon almond, creme de menthe,Grand Mariner®, peppermint stick, pistachio, sambuca, apple, chamomile,cinnamon spice, creme, creme de menthe, vanilla, French vanilla, Irishcreme, Kahlua®, mint, peppermint, lemon, macadamia nut, orange, orangeleaf, peach, strawberry, grape, raspberry, cherry, coffee, chocolate,cocoa, mocha and the like, and any mixtures thereof; as well asflavorant/aroma enhancers such as acetaldehyde, herbs, spices, as wellas any mixtures thereof.

4. Water

Up to 95%, (generally from about 80 to about 95%) water may be added tothe flavored beverage products components of the present invention.Particularly with ready-to-drink formulations, water is added to thecomposition up to 80%, preferably up to 95%. Water is generally notadded to the instant formulations by the manufacturer. Water or otherliquid is generally not added to instant beverages except as part of thesoluble beverage component.

5. S/I Ratio, I/S Ratio, and I/V Ratio

The beverage products of the present invention, (especially preferredare instant coffee products), can deliver a creamy, rich, preferablyfoamy, beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without“sliminess” or “stringiness”, as well as a higher flavor impact, at alower dosage of solids (5-10%, preferably 6.5-8.5%, and more preferably7.5%). This is achieved by formulating said beverage products so that(1) the level of finely dispersed water-insoluble components in theproduct is such that the ratio of (a) water-soluble to water-insolublecomponents (S/I) is about 3.3 or less, or (b) the ratio ofwater-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater,preferably at least 0.40 or greater and most preferably between about0.40 and about 0.80; and/or (2) the level of water-insoluble componentsper unit volume (I/V), is at least about 0.019 grams per cubiccentimeter.

C. Flavored Instant Beverage Products and Method for Making

The instant flavored beverage products of the present inventioncomprise: a water-insoluble component, a water-soluble component, and,optionally, a flavorant. Said water-insoluble component has particleswith a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0microns, preferably from about 0.4 to about 2.0, microns and includes:(1) from about 3 to about 40%, preferably from about 5 to about 30%,most preferably from about 8% to about 25%, of a microparticulatecomponent; (2) from about 0 to about 5%, preferably from about 1.0 toabout 3.0%, of a microcrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0.0% toabout 40%, preferably from about 3 to about 40%, of a fat/oil component;and (4) from about 0.0% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.1 to about3%, emulsifier. Said water-soluble component includes: (1) from about 1to about 40%, preferably from about 5 to about 20%, soluble beveragecomponent; (2) from about 0.05 to about 25%, preferably from about 1.0to about 15%, of a thickener; (3) optionally from about 1 to about 20%,preferably from about 4 to about 15%, of a foaming creamer; (4)optionally from about 0.1 to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5 toabout 10%, of a proteinaceous foam stabilizer; (5) optionally from about0.1 to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5 to about 3%, of the edibleacid; (6) optionally from about 0.1 to about 5%, preferably from about0.5 to about 3%, of the carbonate/bicarbonate salt; (7) optionally aneffective amount of a sweetener; (8) optionally up to about 20% milksolids. At least one of the water-soluble and water-insoluble componentspreferably includes an effective amount of a flavorant. The ratio ofwater-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 or less,preferably from about 1.5 to about 2.5 (i.e., the ratio ofwater-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater,preferably from about 0.400 to about 0.667), or the insoluble componentper unit volume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc, preferablyat least 0.022 g/cc.

The preferred method for preparing the flavored instant beverageproducts of the present invention is to dry blend the water-insolubleand water-soluble components together in a paddle, drum, screw, ploughtype mixer, or the like to provide the final instant coffee product.

One preferred method for preparing the flavored instant coffee productsof the present invention is to dry blend the water-insoluble andwater-soluble components together and then agglomerate the mixture,preferably by steam agglomeration. It has been found that steamagglomeration of this mixture increases rate of solubility of resultingflavored instant beverage product, as compared to a flavored instantbeverage product where only a portion of this mixture is agglomerated.See U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,962 (Stipp), issued Jul. 18, 1995 (hereinincorporated by reference for suitable methods for performing steamagglomeration).

Another preferred method for making the flavored instant beverageproducts of the present invention involves a special blend ofemulsifiers as wetting agents; said special blend includes lecithin,propylene glycol, ethoxylated mono and diglycerides, and a sucrose fattyacid ester, combined with maltodextrin and water to make a bindersolution. The wetting agents are at about 0.20 to about 0.33%,preferably about 0.27%, dry basis of the finished product. Theethoxylated mono and diglycerides, the lecithin, and the propyleneglycol together comprise from about 0.1% to about 0.3%, preferably about0.2%, dry basis of finished product. The lower sucrose fatty acid estersis from about 0.01% to about 0.04%, preferably about 0.02% dry basis.The binder solution is sprayed onto a previously mixed flavored instantbeverage product base in a high intensity agglomerator, for example, aSchugi type agglomerator. The particle size is increased and the bindersolution with the wetting agents is added as the particles are formed sothe wetting agents are thoroughly mixed inside of the newly formedgranule.

After the desired particle size is reached, the granule is dried in afluid bed dryer to remove the excess water used during the agglomerationstep. To preserve flavor during the drying, the inlet air temperature ispreferably kept below 160° F.

The particle size of the granule is manipulated using standard screeningoperations to essentially between 20 and 600 microns. It is generallymore preferred that a minimum of about 60% of the granules have a sizegreater than about 212 microns, and a maximum of about 2% have aparticle size greater than about 600 microns.

The sized granule is finally combined in an admix with flavor, foamingingredients, and processing aids to complete the product. It has beenfound this process provides a more dense product with better consumerdissolvability than previously known when compared to steamagglomeration.

D. Flavored Drinkable Beverages and Their Preparation

The ready-to-drink flavored beverage products of the present inventioncomprise: a water-insoluble component, a water-soluble component,flavorants, and, optionally, water. Said water-insoluble component hasparticles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about3.0, preferably from about 0.4 to about 2.0, microns and includes: (1)from about 0.20 to about 8.0%, preferably from about 0.30 to about 5.0%,preferably from about 0.35 to about 2.50%, of a microparticulatecomponent; (2) from about 0 to about 0.70%, preferably from about 0.075to about 0.35%, of a microcrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0.0% toabout 5.0%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 5.0%, of a fatcomponent; (4) from about 0.0% to about 0.2%, preferably from about0.004 to about 0.2% of an emulsifier blend. Said water-soluble componentincludes: (1) from about 0.075 to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.35to about 2.5%, soluble beverage component; (2) up to about 3.0%,preferably from about 0.05 to about 2.0%, of a thickener; (3) optionallyan effective amount of a sweetener; (4) optionally up to about 3.0% milksolids. The ready-to-drink flavored beverage comprises from up to about95%, water, preferably from about 80 to about 95% water.

The ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 orless, preferably from about 1.5 to about 2.5 (i.e., the ratio ofwater-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater,preferably from about 0.400 to about 0.667), or the insoluble componentper unit volume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc, preferablyat least 0.022 g/cc.

The preferred method for preparing the ready-to-drink flavored beverageproducts of the present invention is as follows: The fat and emulsifiersare dry blended together and heated until all the fat has been melted.Hot water is added to the oil/emulsifier blend and mixed with a highshear mixer to form the proper emulsion. The water-soluble componentsincluding the beverage soluble solids, the thickener, and optionally thesweetener and milk solids are added while the high shear mixingcontinues. The microparticulate component is added to the mixture withcontinued agitation, and the emulsion/dispersion is homogenized in a twostage APV Gaulin homogenizer at pressures ranging from 500/2500 psi to1000/4600 psi.

ANALYTICAL METHODS

Method for Measuring Particle Size of Protein/Stabilizer Particles

The particle size distribution of the water-insoluble components of thebeverages of the present invention is measured using a laser scatteringsystem, Horiba LA900 (Horiba, Calif.). Two types of distributions areused to properly define particle size. First, the Volume Distribution isused to follow structural changes and the effect of large particles insmall number; this Volume Distribution usually results in a bimodal(some times trimodal) curve. Second, Number Distribution is used tomeasure the number of particles of a given median particle size.Typically, the Number Distribution results in a single peak which isproperly characterized by its median. For median particle size below0.5, there is no significant difference between median and mean particlesize. However, we prefer to use median particle size to account forproper description for cases which depart from normal distribution. 1 to2 ml samples are prepared according to the procedures recommended by theequipment manufacturer.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate flavored instant coffee products madeaccording to the present invention.

Example 1

A foamable flavored coffee beverage is prepared by mixing a non-foamingliquid creamer containing the aqueous insoluble matter, (e.g., thefinely dispersed fat and the microparticulate components) with a dry mixcontaining the soluble ingredients (e.g., instant coffee, foamingingredients, sweeteners and flavorants).

A. Non-Foaming Liquid Creamer: A non-foaming creamer (about 2900 ml) isprepared from the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams High Oleic Sunflower Oil 52.9 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 19.44 protein) Starch 14.04 Corn Syrup Solids8.64 Dipotassium Phosphate 4.32 Microcrystalline Cellulose 2.16Carboxymethylcellulose 4.32 Emulsifier 2.16 Water 2790

The oil and emulsifiers are blended in a 4000 ml beaker and heated to150° F. (65.5° C.) until all the fat has been melted. One thousand ml ofwater at 180° F. (82° C.) is added to the oil/emulsifier blend and mixedwith a high shear mixer for 1 minute to form the proper emulsion. Thestarch, corn syrup solids, microcrystalline cellulose,carboxymethlycellulose, dipotassium phosphate and 1290 ml of water at180° F. (82° C.) are added while the high shear mixing continues. In aseparate 1500 ml beaker, the Simplesse® 100 is mixed with 500 ml. of hotwater at 180° F. (82° C.) using a magnetic stirrer and until allparticles are dispersed (no visible clumps). This Simplesse® 100dispersion is mixed with the oil/emulsifier/solids emulsion and mixedmanually with a spatula. This blend is homogenized in a two stage APVGaulin homogenizer at 1000/4600 psi.

B. Dry mix: A dry mix (500 g.) is prepared from the followingingredients:

Ingredient Grams Sucrose 237.5 Aspartame 1.5 Acesulfame K 1.5 InstantCoffee 122.5 Foaming creamer 81.5 Dried Egg White 18.0 Citric Acid 7.0Sodium Bicarbonate 9.0 Flavors 21.5

All of the ingredients except the foaming creamer are placed in a Hobartmixer and mixed for 5 minutes. After this initial 5 minute period, thefoaming creamer is added to the mixer and mixed for a second 2 minuteperiod.

C. Flavored coffee beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing41 grams of the dry mix with 930 ml of the non-foaming liquid creamerand 30 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.). This beverage contains a totalof 7.5% solids (soluble and insoluble solids), a water-soluble matter towater-insoluble matter (S/I)=2.35, and a water-insoluble matter per unitvolume (I/V)=0.0226 g/cc.

The S/I, I/S, and I/V for the flavored coffee beverage of this exampleare calculated as follows:

Total solids (soluble+insoluble) in 1000 ml of the flavored coffeebeverage=75.65 grams.

Insoluble Matter (I)=I (Oil)+I (Simplesse® 100)+I (Microcrystallinecellulose)+I (fat from foaming creamer)

I _((Oil))=(52.9/2897.98)*930=16.97 grams

I _((Simplesse® 100))=(19.44*0.5/2897.98)*930=3.12 grams

Approximately 50% of the dry Simplesse® 100 is soluble, therefore only50% of this components is considered as microparticules contributing tothe insoluble matter.

I _((Microcrystalline cellulose))=(2.16*/2897.98)*930=0.69 grams

I _((fat from foaming creamer))=(81.5/500)*41*0.27=1.80 grams

I=16.97+3.12+0.69+1.80=22.58 grams

Soluble Matter (S)=75.65−I

I=75.65−22.58=53.07 grams

S/I=53.07 grams/22.58 grams=2.35

I/S=22.58 g/53.07g=0.424

I/V=22.58 g/1000 cc=0.0226 g/cc

Example 2

A flavored foamable instant coffee product (1000 g.) is prepared fromthe following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Non-dairy creamer (50% fat) 379.5 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 73.5 protein) Starch 53.2 Sucrose 178 Aspartame1.4 Acesulfame K 1.4 Instant Coffee 121 Foaming creamer 99.0 Dried EggWhite 18.8 Citric Acid 9.4 Sodium Bicarbonate 11.4 MicrocrystallineCellulose 8.3 Carboxymethylcellulose 16.3 Silicon dioxide 10 Flavors18.8

All of the ingredients except the foaming creamer are placed in a Hobartmixer and mixed for 5 minutes. After this initial 5 minute period, thefoaming creamer is added to the mixer and mixed for a second 2 minuteperiod.

Flavored coffee beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing 82grams of the dry mix and adding 918 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.).This beverage contains a total of 8.2% solids (soluble and insolublesolids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter (S/I)=2.82,and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.0214 g/cc.

The S/I, I/S, and I/V for the flavored coffee beverage of this exampleare calculated as follows:

Total solids (soluble+insoluble) in 1000 ml of the flavored coffeebeverage=82.0 grams.

Insoluble Matter (I)=I (fat from non-dairy creamer)+I (Simplesse® 100)+I(Microcrystalline cellulose)+I (fat from foaming creamer)

I_((fat from non-dairy creamer))=(379.5*0.5)=189.75 grams

Non-dairy creamer contains 50% fat.

I_((Simplesse® 100))=(73.5*0.5)=36.75 grams

Approximately 50% of the dry Simplesse® 100 is soluble, therefore only50% of this components is considered as microparticules contributing tothe insoluble matter.

I(Microcrystalline cellulose)=8.3 grams

I _((fat from foaming creamer))=(99.0*0.27)=26.73 grams

I=189.75+36.75+8.3+26.73=261.53 grams

Soluble Matter (S)=1000−I

I=1000−261.53=738.47 grams

S/I=738.47 grams/261.53 grams=2.82

I/S=261.53 g/738.47 g=0.354

I/V=(261.53 gr/1000 gr)*(82 grams/1000 cc)=0.0214 g/cc

Example 3

A flavored foamable instant coffee product (1000 g) is prepared byblending together the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Non-dairy creamer (50% fat) 377.8 Simplesse ® 100 73.5Starch 53.2 Sucrose 178 Aspartame 1.4 Acesulfame K 1.4 Instant Coffee121 Foaming creamer 99.0 Dried Egg White 18.8 Citric Acid 9.4 SodiumBicarbonate 11.4 Dipotassium Phosphate 20.0 Carboxymethylcellulose 16.3Flavors 18.8

All of the ingredients except the foaming creamer are placed in a Hobartmixer and mixed for 5 minutes. After this initial 5 minute period, thefoaming creamer is added to the mixer and mixed for a second 2 minuteperiod.

Flavored coffee beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing 82grams of the dry mix and adding 918 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.).This beverage contains a total of 8.2% solids (soluble and insolublesolids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter (S/I) ratio of2.96, and a water-insoluble matter to a water-soluble matter (I/S) of0.338, and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.0207 g/cc.

Example 4

A flavored foamable instant coffee product (1000 g.) is prepared fromthe following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Non-dairy creamer (50% fat) 379.5 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 100 protein) Starch 51.3 Sucrose 178 Aspartame1.4 Acesulfame K 1.4 Instant Coffee 121 Foaming creamer 99.0 Dried EggWhite 18.8 Citric Acid 9.4 Sodium Bicarbonate 11.4 Silicon dioxide 10Flavors 18.8

All of the ingredients except the foaming creamer are placed in a Hobartmixer and mixed for 5 minutes. After this initial 5 minute period, thefoaming creamer is added to the mixer and mixed for a second 2 minuteperiod.

Flavored coffee beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing 82grams of the dry mix and adding 918 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.).This beverage contains a total of 8.2% solids (soluble and insolublesolids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter (S/I) ratio of2.75, a water-insoluble matter to water-soluble matter (I/S) ratio of0.364, and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.0218 g/cc.

Example 5

A flavored foamable instant coffee product (1000 g.) is prepared fromthe following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Non-dairy creamer (50% fat) 380.8 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 150 protein) Sucrose 178 Aspartame 1.4Acesulfame K 1.4 Instant Coffee 121 Foaming creamer 99.0 Dried Egg White18.8 Citric Acid 9.4 Sodium Bicarbonate 11.4 Silicon dioxide 10 Flavors18.8

All of the ingredients except the foaming creamer are placed in a Hobartmixer and mixed for 5 minutes. After this initial 5 minute period, thefoaming creamer is added to the mixer and mixed for a second 2 minuteperiod.

Flavored coffee beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing 82grams of the dry mix and adding 918 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.).This beverage contains a total of 8.2% solids (soluble and insolublesolids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter (S/I) ratio of2.42, a water-insoluble matter to water-soluble matter (I/S) ratio of0.413, and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.0239 g/cc.

Example 6

A ready-to-drink flavored coffee beverage (about 2900 ml) is preparedfrom the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil 53.0 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 19.5 protein) Starch 14.0 Sucrose 58.0 Aspartame0.35 Acesulfame K 0.35 Coffee soluble solids 30 Dipotassium Phosphate(buffer) 4.32 Microcrystalline Cellulose 2.16 Carboxymethylcellulose4.32 Emulsifier 2.16 Flavors 5.0 Water 2790

The oil and emulsifiers are blended in a 4000 ml beaker and heated to150° F. (65.5° C.) until all the fat has been melted. One thousand ml ofwater at 180° F. (82° C.) is added to the oil/emulsifier blend and mixedwith a high shear mixer for 1 minute to form the proper emulsion. Thestarch, sucrose, aspartame, acesulfame K, coffee soluble solids, cornsyrup solids, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose,dipotassium phosphate, flavors and 1290 ml of water at 70° F. (21.1° C.)are added while the high shear mixing continues. In a separate 1500 mlbeaker, the Simplesse® 100 is mixed with 500 ml. of hot water at 180° F.(82° C.) using a magnetic stirrer and until all particles are dispersed(no visible clumps). This Simplesse® 100 dispersion is mixed with theoil/emulsifier/solids emulsion and mixed manually with a spatula. Thisblend is homogenized in a two stage APV Gaulin homogenizer at 1000/4600psi. This beverage contains a total of 6.5% solids (soluble andinsoluble solids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter(S/I) ratio of 2.0, a water-insoluble matter to water-soluble matter(I/S) ratio of 0.500, and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume(I/V)=0.0216 g/cc.

Example 7

A flavored instant tea product (1000 g.) is prepared from the followingingredients:

Ingredient Grams Non-dairy creamer (50% fat) 400 Simplesse ® 100(microparticulated whey 150 protein) Sucrose 278 Starch 50 Aspartame 1.0Acesulfame K 1.0 Instant Tea 100 Silicon dioxide 10 Flavors 10

All of the ingredients are placed in a Hobart mixer and mixed for 5minutes.

Flavored creamy tea beverage: A beverage (1000 ml) is prepared by mixing82 grams of the dry mix and adding 918 ml of water at 180° F. (82° C.).This beverage contains a total of 8.2% solids (soluble and insolublesolids), a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter (S/I) ratio of2.63, a water-insoluble matter to water-soluble matter (I/S) ratio of0.380, and a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.0225 g/cc.

Example 8

A. Non-Foaming Liquid Creamer: A non-foaming creamer (about 2900 ml) isprepared from the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Part. Hydrog. Canola Oil 500 Micro-particulated wheyprotein 180 Starch 130 Corn Syrup Solids 120 Dipotassium Phosphate(buffer) 20 Sodium Caseinate 50 Emulsifier 20 Water 2333

The oil and emulsifiers are blended in a 4000 ml beaker and heated to160° F. (71° C.) until all the fat has been melted. The oil/emulsifierblend is added to two thousand three hundred and thirty-three ml ofwater at 190° F. (88° C.) and mixed with a high shear mixer for 2 minuteto form a pre-emulsion. The starch, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate,and dipotassium phosphate are added under high shear mixing. The wheyprotein is added to the pre-emulsion, but with normal agitation untilall particles are dispersed (no visible clumps). This blend ishomogenized in a two stage APV Gaulin homogenizer at 1000/4600 psi. Theliquid beverage creamer (30% solids) is spray-dried in a typicalcommercial spray-dryer, for example, a Niro Atomizer with an inlettemperature of about 220-230° C. and outlet temperature about 110-120°C.

B. Ready-to-drink beverage: A ready-to-drink orange beverage is preparedfrom the following formulation:

Ingredient % Water 72.25 Beverage creamer 10.30 Sweetener 12.00 Orangejuice  5.00 Citric Acid  0.28 Orange Flavors  0.17

For a finished product batch, a beverage creamer preblend solution isprepared in a container fitted with high shear mixer as follows: Thetank is loaded with hot water (71° C., 160° F.). Under agitation, thebeverage creamer is added at such a rate as to obtain a smooth mixturewith no visible lumps. This may take several minutes. With continuedhigh speed agitation the dry citric acid powder is added at a rate of 15pounds/minute to a concentration of 80 mM. The median particle size ofthe creamer beverage particles range from 0.30 microns to 0.80 microns.

The beverage creamer preblend solution is then added to a blend tankwith the remaining ingredients. The blend tank is agitated with a sweepagitator at 28 rpm. This blend is pasteurized at (86° C.±1.5° C., 187°F.±3° F.) for 13±3 seconds and conventionally bottled.

Example 9

A. Chocolate dry mix: A chocolate powder mix is prepared from thefollowing ingredients:

Ingredient % Granular Sucrose 67.16 Beverage creamer 15.00 SodiumChloride 0.40 Fermented Cocoa Powder, 14% fat 16.00 Colors 0.07 CitricAcid 0.50 Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.0004 Vitamin Mix (vitamin C,riboflavin, niacin, 0.46 thiamin and pantothenic acid) Ferrous Fumarate0.06 Mineral Mix (tribasic calcium phosphate) 0.05 Artificial ChocolateFlavor 0.30

The chocolate powder is prepared by mixing the above ingredientstogether until the powder is homogeneous. A drinkable beverage isprepared by adding 25 g. of this powder to 240 ml of milk and thenstirring vigorously.

This beverage contains a total of 19.4% total solids (soluble andinsoluble) and a water-soluble matter to water-insoluble matter(S/I)=4.8, a water-insoluble matter to water-soluble matter (I/S) ratioof 0.287, and a water insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.403 g/cc.

B. Ready-to-drink fortified beverage: Preparation of ready-to-servenutritionally fortified beverage can be carried out in a similar mannerto the preparation of beverage mixes (see A above), at least as itrelates to the dry ingredients such as the cocoa powder, beveragecreamer, iron source, vitamins and other minerals, etc. The primarydifference is the addition of an aqueous fluid, typically in an amountof from about 80 to about 95%, of the finished ready-to serve beverageproduct. Suitable aqueous fluids include water and milk. Suitable milksources include whole milk, low fat milk, skim milk, milk fluids made byreconstituting milk powders with water and the like.

Example 10

Creamy Coffee Beverage: A ready-to-drink creamy coffee beveragecontaining vitamins and minerals is prepared from the followingingredients.

Ingredient % Water 32.3 2% Milk 50.0 Coffee Extract (8.0% solids) 5.406Vanilla Extract 0.50 Dextrose 3.00 Sucrose 4.50 Maltodextrin M-100 1.50Guar, xanthan, carrageenan gum blend 0.10 Simplesse 100 ® (whey protein)1.00 Green Tea Solids 0.15 Lecithin 0.00 Mono-diglycerides 0.00 Fructose0.56 Vitamin/Mineral Premix 0.424 Non Fat Dry Milk 0.56 Total 100.0

The dextrose, sucrose, maltodextrin M-100, gum blend, Simplesse 100®,green tea solids, fructose, vitamin/mineral premix, and non-fat dry milkare dry blended together in a container. In a separate container, themilk, water, coffee extract, and vanilla extract are blended together inthe presence of high shear. The powders are then added to the liquidmixture, with the continued application of high shear, until ahomogeneous mixture is achieved.

The vitamin/mineral premix of the present example comprises:

Actual amount Vit/Min added % RDA in (% finished finished VitaminCompound beverage) beverage Vitamin A Palmitate 0.001443 35 Vitamin B2Riboflavin 0.000089 45 Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 0.00111 35 Vitamin B6Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 0.000222 35 Vitamin B9 Folic Acid 0.000555 35Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin 0.000555 40 Vitamin C Ascorbic acid or sodium0.02908 50 ascorbate Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 0.0000777 35 Vitamin Eα-Tocopheryl acetate 0.00511 25 Calcium Tricalcium Phosphate 0.385758330 Total 0.424

The ready-to-drink creamy coffee beverage of the present exampleexhibits a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.02 g/cc.

Example 11

Creamy Coffee Beverage: A ready-to-drink creamy coffee beveragecontaining vitamins and minerals is prepared from the followingingredients.

Ingredient % Water 32.3 2% Milk 50.0 Coffee Extract (8.0% solids) 5.383Vanilla Extract 0.50 Dextrose 3.00 Sucrose 4.50 Maltodextrin M-100 1.50Guar, xanthan, carrageenan gum blend 0.10 Simplesse 100 ® (whey protein)1.00 Green Tea Solids 0.15 Lecithin 0.021 Mono-diglycerides blend 0.002Fructose 0.56 Vitamin/Mineral Premix 0.424 Non Fat Dry Milk 0.56 Total100.0

A first solution is prepared by combining the lecithin andmono-diglyceride blend in a suitable beaker. The ingredients are thenmelted by placing the beaker in a 190° F. water bath and continuousstirring the mixture. The beaker containing the first solution isremoved from the water bath when the melted materials form a homogeneousmixture. Under continuous stirring, the fructose, vitamin/mineralpremix, and non-fat dry milk are added.

In a separate container a second solution is prepared by combiningone-half of the total water and one-half of the total milk. The secondsolution is then are heated to a boil (˜200° F.). The first solution,containing the vitamin/mineral mix, is then added to the heated secondsolution, comprising the water and milk mixture, thereby forming acombined solution. The combined solution is stirred by hand for 1minute. The combined solution is placed in an ice bath, with atemperature of approximately 32° F., and cooled to about 60° F.

While the combined solution is cooling, a third solution is prepared bymixing the remaining milk and water in a separate beaker. The remainingpowders (gum blend, sucrose, dextrose, maltodextrin M-100, Simplesse100®, and green tea solids) are dry blended together and added to thethird solution in the presence of high shear forces. The coffee extractand vanilla extract are then added to the third solution with additionalblending. Once the combined solution is cooled to 60° F., it is combinedwith the third solution with low-shear agitation.

The vitamin/mineral premix of the present example comprises:

Actual amount Vit/Min added % RDA in (% finished finished VitaminCompound beverage) beverage Vitamin A Palmitate 0.001443 35 Vitamin B2Riboflavin 0.000089 45 Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 0.00111 35 Vitamin B6Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 0.000222 35 Vitamin B9 Folic Acid 0.000555 35Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin 0.000555 40 Vitamin C Ascorbic acid or sodium0.02908 50 ascorbate Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 0.0000777 35 Vitamin Eα-Tocopheryl acetate 0.00511 25 Calcium Tricalcium Phosphate 0.385758330 Total 0.424

The ready-to-drink creamy coffee beverage of the present exampleexhibits a water-insoluble matter per unit volume (I/V)=0.02 g/cc.

Example 12

A ready to drink flavored coffee beverage (about 1000 ml) is preparedfrom the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Water 450.8 Skim Milk 397 Coffee extract (7.5% solids)43 Sucrose 62 Simplesse 100 30 Aspartame 0.1 Acesulfame K 0.1 Flavors 17

The water and Simplesse 100 are blended in a beaker for 2 minutes usinga BRAUN hand mixer (high shear). Sucrose, aspartame, acesulfame K andflavors are added and the mixture is mixed for 1 minute using the highshear mixer. The coffee extract and skim milk are added and the mixtureis mixed by hand using a spatula.

Example No. 13

Non-Fat Coffee Beverage. Using the method described in Example 6, aready-to-drink flavored coffee beverage (1000 gr) is prepared from thefollowing ingredients:

Ingredient grams Water 626.8 Skim Milk 280 Simplesse 100 20 CoffeeExtract (5% solids) 50 Fructose 8 Aspartame 0.1 Acesulfame K 0.1Defatted Cocoa powder 10 N & A Flavors 5 1000 g

Example No. 14

Non-Fat Coffee Beverage. Using the method described in Example 6, aready-to-drink flavored coffee beverage (1000 gr) is prepared from thefollowing ingredients:

Ingredient grams Water 441.8 Skim Milk 450 Simplesse 100 20 CoffeeExtract (5% solids) 60 Fructose 8 Aspartame 0.1 Acesulfame K 0.1 VanillaFlavor 20 1000 g

Example No. 15

Creamy Tea Beverage. Using the method described in Example 7, aready-to-drink creamy tea beverage (1000 gr) is prepared from thefollowing ingredients:

Ingredient grams Brewed Tea 930 Fructose 50 Simplesse 100 20 1000 g

Example No. 16

Creamy Orange Beverage. Using the method described in Example 7, aready-to-drink creamy orange beverage (1000 gr) is prepared from thefollowing ingredients.

Ingredient grams Orange Juice 500 Water 430 Fructose 50 Simplesse 100 201000 g

Example No. 17

Creamy Mango Beverage. Using the method described in Example 7, aready-to-drink creamy orange beverage (1000 gr) is prepared from thefollowing ingredients.

Ingredient grams Mango mania (Mistic ® Beverage) 970 Simplesse 100  301000 g

Example No. 18

Creamy Strawberry-Kiwi Beverage. Using the method described in Example7, a ready-to-drink creamy orange beverage (1000 gr) is prepared fromthe following ingredients.

Ingredient grams Strawberry-Kiwi (Mistic ® Beverage) 970 Simplesse 100 30 1000 g

Example 19

A ready-to-drink flavored coffee beverage (about 1000 ml) is preparedfrom the following ingredients:

Ingredient Grams Water 451  Milk (2% fat) 397  Coffee extract (7.5%solids) 43 Sucrose 62 Simplesse 100 30 Flavors 17

The water and Simplesse 100 are blended in a beaker for 2 minutes usinga BRAUN hand mixer (high shear). Sucrose, and flavors are added and themixture is mixed for 1 minute using the high shear mixer. The coffeeextract and milk are added and the mixture is mixed by hand using aspatula.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flavored beverage product which comprises: a. awater-insoluble component having particles with a mean particle sizediameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns which comprises: (1)from about 0.2 to about 40% of a microparticulate component; (2) fromabout 0.0 to about 40% of a fat/oil component; (3) from about 0.0 toabout 3.0% of an emulsifier; (4) from about 0 to about 5% of amicrocrystalline cellulose; and b. a water-soluble component whichcomprises: (1) from about 0.075 to about 40% of a soluble beveragecomponent; (2) from about 0.05 to about 30% of a thickener; (3) fromabout 0 to about 4% buffers; (4) from about 0 to about 60% foamstabilizer; (5) from about 0 to about 5% acid; (6) from about 0 to about5% carbonate/bicarbonate; (7) from about 0 to about 50% sweetener; (8)from about 0 to about 20% milk solids; (9) from about 0 to about 3%processing aids; (10) from about 0.1 to about 5% of a vitamin/mineralmix; and c. from about 0 to about 10% of a flavorant; and d. from about0 to about 95% water; and wherein the ratio of the water-insoluble towater-soluble components in said beverage product is about 0.300 orgreater.
 2. The flavored beverage product of claim 1 wherein saidwater-soluble component comprises from about 0.01% to about 50% of asweetener.
 3. The flavored beverage product of claim 1 wherein saidwater-soluble beverage component comprises from about 0.01% to about 5%of a vitamin and mineral composition selected from the group consistingof Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, VitaminB6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K,Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.
 4. Aready-to-drink flavored beverage which comprises: a. a water-insolublecomponent having particles with a mean particle size diameter of fromabout 0.1 to about 3.0 microns which comprises: (1) from about 0.2 toabout 5.0% of a microparticulate component; (2) from about 0 to about0.70% of microcrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0.0 to about 5.0% ofa fat component; (4) from about 0.0 to about 0.2% of an emulsifier; andb. a water-soluble component which comprises: (1) from about 0.075 toabout 5.0% of a soluble beverage component; (2) from about 0 to about3.0% of a thickener; (3) from about 0.1 to about 5% of a vitamin/mineralmix; (4) optionally from about 0 to about 50% of a sweetener; (5)optionally up to about 3.0% milk solids; and c. from about 80 to about95% water; and wherein at least one of the water-soluble andwater-insoluble components includes an effective amount of a flavorant;and wherein the ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components isabout 3.3 or less.
 5. A ready-to-drink beverage according to claim 4wherein the ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is fromabout 1.5 to about 2.5.
 6. The ready-to-drink beverage product of claim4 wherein said water-soluble component comprises from about 0.01% toabout 25% of a sweetener.
 7. The ready-to-drink beverage product ofclaim 4 wherein said water-soluble beverage component comprises fromabout 0.01% to about 5% of a vitamin and mineral composition selectedfrom the group consisting of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, VitaminB3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, VitaminD, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, andmixtures thereof.
 8. A ready-to-drink flavored beverage which comprises:a. a water-insoluble component having particles with a mean particlesize diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns which comprises:(1) from about 0.2 to about 5.0% of a microparticulate component; (2)from about 0 to about 0.70% of microcrystalline cellulose; (3) fromabout 0.2 to about 5.0% of a fat component; (4) from about 0.004 toabout 0.2% of an emulsifier; and b. a water-soluble component whichcomprises: (1) from about 0.075 to about 5.0% of a soluble beveragecomponent; (2) from about 0 to about 3.0% of a thickener; (3) from about0.1 to about 5% of a vitamin/mineral mix; (4) optionally from about 0 toabout 50% of a sweetener; (5) optionally up to about 3.0% milk solids;and c. from about 80 to about 95% water; and wherein at least one of thewater-insoluble and water-soluble components includes an effectiveamount of a flavorant; and wherein the ratio of water-insoluble towater-soluble components is at least 0.300 or greater.
 9. Aready-to-drink beverage according to claim 8 wherein the ratio ofwater-insoluble to water-soluble components is from about 0.400 to about0.667.
 10. The ready-to-drink beverage product of claim 8 wherein saidwater-soluble component comprises from about 0.01% to about 25% of asweetener.
 11. The ready-to-drink beverage product of claim 8 whereinsaid water-soluble beverage component comprises from about 0.01% toabout 5% of a vitamin and mineral composition selected from the groupconsisting of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5,Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E,Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.12. A ready-to-drink flavored beverage which comprises: a. awater-insoluble component having particles with a mean particle sizediameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns which comprises: (1)from about 0.2 to about 5.0% of a microparticulate component; (2) fromabout 0 to about 0.70% of microcrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0.0to about 5.0% of a fat component; (4) from about 0.0 to about 0.2% of anemulsifier; and b. a water-soluble component which comprises: (1) fromabout 0.075 to about 5.0% of a soluble beverage component; (2) fromabout 0 to about 3.0% of a thickener; (3) from about 0.1 to about 5% ofa vitamin/mineral mix; (4) optionally from about 0 to about 50% of asweetener; (5) optionally up to about 2.0% milk solids; and c. fromabout 80 to about 95% water; and wherein at least one of thewater-soluble and water-insoluble components includes an effectiveamount of a flavorant; and wherein the insoluble component per unitvolume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc.
 13. A ready-to-drinkbeverage according to claim 12 wherein the insoluble component per unitvolume of the product is at least 0.022 g/cc.
 14. The ready-to-drinkbeverage product of claim 12 wherein said water-soluble componentcomprises from about 0.01% to about 25% of a sweetener.
 15. Theready-to-drink beverage product of claim 12 wherein said water-solublebeverage component comprises from about 0.01% to about 5% of a vitaminand mineral composition selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A,Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9,Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.
 16. An instant flavoredbeverage product which comprises: a. a water-insoluble component havingparticles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about3.0 microns which comprises: (1) from about 3 to about 40% of amicroparticulate component; (2) from about 0 to about 5% ofmicrocrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0 to about 40%, of a fat/oilcomponent; and (4) from about 0 to about 3% emulsifier; and b. awater-soluble component which comprises: (1) from about 1 to about 40%of a soluble beverage component; (2) from about 0.05 to about 25% of athickener; (3) from about 0.1 to about 5% of a vitamin/mineral mix; (4)optionally from about 1 to about 20% of a foaming creamer; (5)optionally from about 0.1 to about 20% of a proteinaceous foamstabilizer; (6) optionally from about 0.1 to about 5% of the edibleacid; (7) optionally from about 0.1 to about 5% of thecarbonate/bicarbonate salt; (8) optionally from about 0 to about 50% ofa sweetener; and (9) optionally up to about 20% milk solids; and whereinat least one of the water-soluble and water-insoluble componentsincludes an effective amount of a flavorant; and the ratio ofwater-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 or less, andthe ratio of water-insoluble components to water-soluble components isabout 0.300 or greater.
 17. An instant beverage according to claim 16wherein the ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is fromabout 1.5 to about 2.0, and the ratio of water-insoluble towater-soluble components is about 0.400 to about 0.667.
 18. The instantbeverage product of claim 16 wherein said water-soluble componentcomprises from about 0.01% to about 25% of a sweetener.
 19. Theready-to-drink beverage product of claim 16 wherein said water-solublebeverage component comprises from about 0.01% to about 5% of a vitaminand mineral composition selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A,Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9,Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.
 20. An instant flavoredbeverage product which comprises: a. a water-insoluble component havingparticles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about3.0 microns which comprises: (1) from about 3 to about 40% of amicroparticulate component; (2) from about 0 to about 5% ofmicrocrystalline cellulose; (3) from about 0 to about 40%, of a fat/oilcomponent; and (4) from about 0 to about 3% emulsifier; and b. awater-soluble component which comprises: (1) from about 1 to about 40%of a soluble beverage component; (2) from about 0.05 to about 25% of athickener; (3) from about 0.1 to about 5% of a vitamin/mineral mix; (4)optionally from about 1 to about 20% of a foaming creamer; (5)optionally from about 0.1 to about 20% of a proteinaceous foamstabilizer; (6) optionally from about 0.1 to about 5% of the edibleacid; (7) optionally from about 0.1 to about 5% of thecarbonate/bicarbonate salt; (8) optionally from about 0 to about 50% ofa sweetener; and (9) optionally up to about 20% milk solids; and whereinat least one of the water-soluble and water-insoluble componentsincludes an effective amount of a flavorant; and the ratio ofwater-soluble to water-insoluble component per unit volume of theproduct is at least about 0.019 g/cc.
 21. An instant beverage productaccording to claim 20 wherein the insoluble component per unit volume ofthe product is at least about 0.022 g/cc.
 22. The instant beverageproduct of claim 20 wherein said water-soluble component comprises fromabout 0.01% to about 25% of a sweetener.
 23. The instant beverageproduct of claim 20 wherein said water-soluble beverage componentcomprises from about 0.01% to about 5% of a vitamin and mineralcomposition selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1,Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12,Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium,Iodine, Zinc, and mixtures thereof.